Global packaging company Huhtamaki has opened a new factory in Co Antrim, with the creation of 100 jobs.

The factory will produce sustainable paper straws for the fast-food giant McDonalds, following on from their commitment to roll-out paper straws at more than 1,300 UK and Irish outlets this year.

Huhtamaki plans to invest around £12 million into venture over the next five years, with Invest NI injecting funding of £480k.

The Antrim town factory at Kilbegs Business Park was officially opened on Wednesday by McDonald’s chief financial officer for the UK and Ireland, John Park.

Ciaran Doherty, general manager of Huhtamaki Food Services Belfast, said: “We are delighted to welcome John Park to officially open our new facility in Antrim and we are committed to growing our strategic partnership with McDonald’s and to delivering innovation in new product categories.

We are proud to be a fast-moving, innovative partner, capable of adapting to our customer’s needs. We value McDonald’s trust in us and today celebrate another landmark in a relationship that now spans over 30 years.

Mr Doherty said Huhtamaki plans on expanding its manufacturing base into other markets globally.

DUP MP Paul Girvan said: “This is a good news story for Antrim and a very welcome investment in the local economy.

“The management of Huhtamaki are to be commended for this sign of confidence in the local workforce in Antrim as a base for their operations.”